Minister of National Defence Remembrance Day Message
Video / November 10, 2020
Transcript
Today, on Remembrance Day, Canadians from coast to coast to coast pause to reflect on all of those who sacrificed their lives in the name of peace and freedom.
It is thanks to them that today, Canada is a democratic society that promotes equality and opportunity for all of us.
We must never forget the sacrifices that they and their families have made for our country and the world.
And this year, 75 years since the end of the Second World War, we remember the Canadian soldiers, sailors, and aviators who played a decisive role in the Allied victory…
Secured after nearly six years of grueling combat that claimed the lives of more than 45,000 Canadian service members and wounding another 55,000.
Though the pandemic has changed how we remember our Veterans, I know Canadians will live up to their duty to remember our Veterans…
Their immense courage…
And their many sacrifices.
And this year, on the International Year of the Nurse, our remembrance of the thousands of nurses who braved untold dangers to accomplish their mission to care for the sick and injured, could not be more fitting.
Right now in particular, as we continue our fight against the pandemic, Canadians from coast to coast to coast are acutely aware of how our Canadian Armed Forces members and our healthcare workers continue to work to protect Canadians.
Throughout the pandemic, they have assisted Canadians in remote communities…
They helped with contract tracing and managing PPE supplies…
And they supported long-term care facilities in Ontario and Quebec.
Like those who came before them, today’s members of the Canadian Armed Forces continue to risk their lives to protect and defend others.
Today, sacross the country as we pause to honour our Veterans, past and present, let us recognize the sacrifices they and their families have made to defend our freedoms…
…to keep us safe
….and protect the values that unite us as Canadians.
We owe them our deepest respect and our profound gratitude.
Lest we forget. N'oublions pas.